I learned how to fly before I could drive a car. I would ride my bicycle down to the local airport and wash planes to save enough cash to take lessons and pay for an instructor. I was started flying at 14 and soloed at the age of 16. I was hooked on aviation ever since that day.

As a teenager, I would attend air shows frequently. One of my air show heroes was a man named John Collver. He could fly the North American T-6 WWII trainer in ways that I could never imagine. Loops, rolls, cuban eights and inverted flight with the awesome sound of the nine cylinder radial engine chugging away in the background. I waited in line for his autograph and set my goal on that day to become an air show performer.

Fast-forward 32 years later. I am part of a four-ship formation flight team similar to what the Blue Angels do except in radial engine propeller aircraft. I have been working six years on perfecting our air show moves with my team. We fly our aircraft very close together (24-48 inches apart) with wingtip overlap. Some of the moves are echelon turns, diamond, close trail and fingertip with many of our transitions occurring in front of the crowd.

Last week our team was hired to attend a local air show. We showed up a day before the show for practice and meetings with the FAA inspectors for safety/documentation inspections. I look over and my hero John Collver is sitting down at the brief. We are the opening act prior to John’s performance. It hit me like a ton of bricks….the goal I made way back in the early eighties has finally come true. Performing along with an aviation great like John is like playing on the same ball field with Mickey Mantel.

I introduced myself to him on the shuttle ride back to the hotel. I mentioned that I watched his performance thirty two years ago and it inspired me to make it to other side of the flight line someday. He explained to me how important the air show pilot is to inspiring youth into the world of aviation. Signing autographs and taking pictures with locals is our way of giving back to the community. He regularly meets fans that pursue careers in aviation over the years.

Our show was a great success and when I landed back home I realized that I achieved two major goals this year. In 2006, I attended my first primer class with GTC. The following year at the refresher class, I walked up to Stickman at the meet and greet and asked him what it would take to become an instructor. I could see his eyes roll and him thinking “Oh no, another wannabe student” He quickly dismissed me and said go speak to Frank and Dom. I felt way out of line asking them this question so early on.

My mentor is the great instructor Missouri Rick. He was easy to approach and I asked him what it would take to be part of the GTC organization. He coached me on the dos and don’ts of the group and stressed that I practice for many years to get good. I purchased a full sized table, smart craps and began my journey. My goal was set to become an instructor one day.

After years of hard work, passing the Smart Craps tests, our Dream Team winning at the WCC in 2009, and taking the advanced class with a true group of hardcore players. (Section 8, Rafter, Kumar, and Pointman), I was ready to take the next step. I remember the day Dom offered me the position as intern.

Fast-forward a three years to this March in Atlantic City and I was awarded full instructor status. A very proud day and a highlight of my life. Thank you Dom and Frank for allowing me to work for this great organization. As in aviation, my goal is to inspire current and future dice control students to succeed on the journey.

The key to life is to always set goals and work hard to achieve them. It doesn’t matter if it takes a few weeks or thirty-two years before your goal is met. When it happens, it is priceless.

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